Secondary infertility tests

[Justbecause88]

Hello, I have just started the process for having some tests done with my GP as we have been trying for our second child for almost a year. Can anyone help with which tests they provide on the NHS? I’m just wondering if it’s worth paying to have them if we aren’t eligible for many anyway. Thanks

In all honesty they won't give you many tests - you might be able to get out of them day 21 tests to check progesterone levels indicate you have ovulated and also a sperm test for partner. But other than that you'd be lucky to get much more.

We had terrible infertility after DD which included multiple miscarriages and ectopics - we had already decided to move on to IVF so had additional tests/scans done with them. But if you decide on IVF they don't actually need many any way

Hi @Justbecause88,

We have been ttc no 3 for nearly 4 years. I approached my GP was lucky enough to have a full hormone profile taken, we were then referred to our local NHS fertility team who did two sperm count analysis, I had four different ultrasound scans at different days like d21, during my period and before. One scan came back saying I had ovarian cysts, so it was repeated 3 months later. I then had hycosy test where they run dye through your tubes.

All came back normal apart from sperm count was low. Now moving towards IVF clinic but because of covid19 all delayed but my GP agreed to do some bloods tests for me so I don't have to pay £150 to the clinic but NHS don't do AMH, that's a clinic thing.

I would approach your GP and they are usually quite helpful. I'm 38 so time is ticking away.

I had blood tests, a HyCoSy (although ended up paying privately as the hospital didn't even have a doctor trained to do them!), dh had sperm analysis. No scans unlike a previous poster. But... I regret not paying privately sooner as it all takes so long through the nhs. We've been trying for 3 years for dc2 now, including a year of unsuccessful ivf. First year was trying naturally, second year lots of tests and waiting for treatment (I had a Fallopian tube unblocked), third year is the ivf year, forth year about to start and will be more ivf. I wish I'd skipped that second year of waiting.

We have been trying for 3+ years for baby no 2 ( doing IVF in Jan). Through my GP I managed to get day 21 test to check if ovulating, full blood test including TSH levels and my husband got sperm analysis on NHS. Now I also had multiple vaginal scans in that period of three years due to miscariages and bleeding in between cycles ( cancer scare, but all looks good).

I think its easy enough to request many test through your GP ( at least was in my case) before opting to pay privately...

Good luck!!

Thank you all for your replies, I had a good chat with my GP who is going to do some hormone and general checks on me. Not sure about my DH but it sounds like you all got sperm analysis on the NHS too so hopefully we will get that.

Yes got sperm test on the NHS - just bear in mind I've heard wait times are really long at the moment - especially to get the feedback as it's not something they'll post out they like to go through it in person - someone posted the other day it would be like over 3 months to get test done and the results abs sorry tests expire after 6 months

A private clinic will do them for about £100 I think